The films of actor/director Joan Chen will be the main attraction at the 30th SF International Asian American Film Festival, beginning this week. Story here.

The festival will devote 3 nights to Chen's films, beginning with White Frog on opening night. Later in the week, Chen will present Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl (which she directed) and the popular 2004 Asian American independent film Saving Face.

Chen is typically identified with Bernardo Bertolucci's The Last Emperor and David Lynch's Twin Peaks. Some of her notable films - as an actor - include Oliver Stone's Heaven and Earth; Stanley Kwan's Red Rose, White Rose;On Deadly Ground; and Judge Dredd.

But according to the linked article, it was Chen's 1998 directorial debut film Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl that brought her real satisfaction - and notice. She shot the film illegally in China, at some risk and incurring the ire of Chinese authorities. The film tells the story of a victim of the Cultural Revolution. That film led to Richard Gere hiring Chen to direct the 1999 film Autumn in New York.

Chen then took a break from directing to raise her children and do a number of supporting roles, including Lust, Caution;Mao's Last Dancer; and Jackie Chan's 1911. She's also done a number of TV roles.

Chen now wants to go back to directing. She currently has a short film in post-production and is thinking about her next feature film.

I love Joan Chen's acting work. First saw her in THE LAST EMPEROR and I never could get her out of mind after that. Especially with her clothes off. Splendid! But beyond that she is a really good actress too, smart and savvy, and her directing work is excellent too. I love her. One of China's most important gifts to the Western world. BRAVO!

Faye Wong puts more expression in her face in five minutes than the average American actress can in two hours. Remember that scene in "2046"? - where Faye Wong's character is forbidden from following her Japanese boyfriend back to Japan? She says nothing, but her performance is heartbreaking and electric. She simply stands there, silent, as her Japanese boyfriend pleads with her.

Hollywood couldn't match a scene like that if they tried.

Joan Chen is probably one of the most loved and respected actressess in the world, if not the most.